Saving Miley

Three-week-old Miley, a baby pig at Hormel's Farmer John - one of the world's largest farms and a Costco supplier - was stricken by a terrible disease. The bug spread into her blood despite the barrage of antibiotics fed to all the pigs. Soon, Miley lost the ability to stand. She was being trampled and eaten alive by other pigs when DxE’s Open Rescue Network, including actor Alexandra Paul, arrived on the scene.

Confinement

Pigs are confined so tightly that they often cannot turn their heads. They live in a constant state of stress, compromising their immune system.

SICKENING CONDITIONS

Pigs don’t want to sit in their own waste. But on these farms, filth covers everything, as the animals are forced to use the bathroom on top of each other.

Disease

Despite inundating the pigs with antibiotics, Farmer John had twice the allowable rate of infection. Countless sick pigs die before they get to slaughter.

Farm or Pharmacy?

Farm or Pharmacy?

Like all the other pigs, Miley had been pumped full of antibiotics because Hormel -- which pioneered the use of such drugs on farms -- knew that she would not survive the diseased conditions without them. But the drugs did not help. Instead, they created antibiotic resistance in the bacteria growing in her body. Miley was falling victim to a “superbug.”

Drugged Up

Over 80% of the antibiotics in the US are fed to animals to promote growth and prevent disease. Farmer John regularly used half a dozen antibiotics crucial to human health.

No Regulation

Despite recognizing the threat, the government has failed to regulate the use of antibiotics. Documents from Farmer John show workers ignoring veterinarians' instructions.

Superbugs Brewing

Widespread sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics threatens to create superbugs that could kill millions of pigs… and human beings, particularly children and the elderly.

TO SAVE A LIFE

TO SAVE A LIFE

With 24-hour care at a sanctuary, Miley recovered. Although she still has trouble using her legs, she has grown into a playful and happy pig. But there are countless more animals like Miley suffering at the hands of corporations like Costco. What would you do to save a pig like Miley?